Exercise on Taiwan's West Coast Tests Asymmetric Defenses
The Taiwanese army fired rockets from U.S.-supplied HIMARS into the Taiwan Strait during drills on the island's west coast, simulating a response to a potential Chinese invasion.
On the second day of military exercises, the Taiwanese military utilized the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) — supplied by the United States — to launch reduced-range practice rockets into the waters near the coast. The drills focused on rapid deployment and precision-strike capabilities, also involving 155 mm howitzers.
"Training will continue with determination to protect Taiwan," said Army Sgt. Wang Ming-hui, underscoring the ongoing commitment to readiness.
Strategic Context
The exercises are part of a broader shift, encouraged by the United States, toward asymmetric warfare tactics. HIMARS enables "shoot-and-scoot" operations, allowing forces to fire and quickly relocate before counter-battery fire can be effective.
China considers Taiwan a renegade province and has intensified military activities near the island. The United States does not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign nation but opposes any unilateral changes to its status by force, serving as Taiwan's primary arms supplier.
Deal Status
In December, the U.S. announced plans to sell 82 additional HIMARS systems to Taiwan. However, that deal has reportedly been placed on hold following a meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.